Liverpool has yet another match in yet another competition to deal with. Will Liverpool take the Capital One Cup as seriously as they did in previous years this time?

Liverpool plays Middlesbrough in the lesser of the two English cup competitions, the Capital One Cup. They are coming into this match on the back of a defeat to West Ham United. Liverpool were beaten convincingly and are yet to prove themselves as title contenders. Although it is early in the season, Liverpool is not playing with the same energy they did last season. They have yet to get used to life without Luis Suarez. Mario Balotelli, their new star, is only starting to form an understanding on the field with his team mates.

Liverpool have the small matter of the UEFA Champions League to concentrate on as well. They were the only English side to emerge unscathed from midweek Champions League action, having secured a 2-1 win courtesy of a Steven Gerrard penalty in the dying seconds against Ludogorets. They had initially taken the lead through Balotelli. Liverpool is coming into this match without Daniel Sturridge, who is a very important figure in the team.

The services of Philippe Coutinho, Jon Flanagan and Joe Allen will not be available to them as well. Emre Can, the young German who can control the midfield is out too. Jordan Henderson and Glen Johnson are doubtful. Steven Gerrard is in need of rest and might not be on the field for this one. For Middlesbrough, Mustapha Carayol and Damia are out. Dean Whitehead is suspended having been sent off against Brentford. Middlesbrough have won their past three matches.

As far as Liverpool's determination is concerned, Brendan Rodgers might choose to ignore this competition considering he has the Champions League to take care of. Liverpool's players might choose to focus on other Cup competitions as well.

Will Liverpool win this one as they become accustomed to competing on four fronts after a long time?

Liverpool's Starting XI: Mignolet, Manquillo, Toure, Sakho, Enrique, Lucas, Rossiter, Lallana, Sterling, Markovic, Lambert.

Middlesbrough's Starting XI: Blackman, Fredericks, Ayala, Omeruo, Friend, Adomah, Leadbitter, Clayton, Reach, Tomlin, Kike.

Liverpool's Subs: Jones, Skrtel, Moreno, Williams, Suso, Borini, Balotelli.

Middlesbrough's Subs: Dimi, Husband, Gibson, Nsue, Vossen, Bamford, Wildschut.

 

Interested in learning how you can watch the 2014-15 English Capital One Cup? Check out our Capital One Cup Page.

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Liverpool P2 - 2 Middlesbrough

September 23, 2014 2:45pmAnfield (Liverpool)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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